LONDON: Gazan students awarded prestigious scholarships to study in the UK will begin arrive in the country this autumn, after support from the British government enabled them to leave the war-torn territory, ministers said on Monday.
They include Palestinian recipients of the Chevening scholarship, a highly competitive program for foreign students that aims to recognize potential leaders, and other gifted individuals, and provide them with fully funded places on undergraduate and master’s degree courses at leading UK universities.
Officials said the educational support for Gazan students is recognition of the roles they might play in the eventual reconstruction of the territory and building a better future for Israelis and Palestinians.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the conflict in Gaza had devastated education, and praised students for their “incredible resilience and unwavering determination” to continue their studies.
She thanked the government’s international partners, including the Jordanian government and Israeli authorities, for helping the students to leave Gaza, adding: “Our support also reflects the UK’s commitment to the future of postwar Gaza, where educating the next generation will play a vital role.”
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said she was “relieved” the students will be able to study in safety.
“These students have lived through an appalling ordeal, with many losing loved ones and having their studies torn apart by the devastating impact of war,” she said.
“Education offers hope and opportunity and we are determined to ensure that all young people, whatever their circumstances, are able to benefit from it.”
The government said the move was part of wider UK efforts to help vulnerable groups leave Gaza amid the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in the enclave.
British authorities officially recognized a Palestinian state on Sunday, and continue to call for an immediate ceasefire agreement in the territory, the release of all hostages, unrestricted deliveries of humanitarian aid, and a pathway to long-term peace in the wider conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.
